Swimming and chest shaving?

Question

I have a swimming tournament this coming week and ive heard that i must shave my chest in order to be faster. I asked my coach and he said it was up to me to decide. so, is it really true that ill be faster if i shave my chest? of course i know i wont be aquaman-like faster but a wee bit more will do. i already cut my hair real short.

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

There is no question that the removal of hair enables you to swim faster.

Dr. Rick Sharp, a professor at Iowa State University, former NCAA All American swimmer and former director of the US Olympic swim center in Colorado Springs, in 1988, did a physiological study measuring the amount of CO2 (carbon dioxide which is related to effort ... the more co2 you breathe out, the harder you are working). Sharp found that there is a 16% decrease in co2 production after shaving the body. I don't know the amount for shaving the chest only.

Source(s):

"The Effect of Shaving Body Hair on the Physiological Cost of Freestyle Swimming" — by Rick L. Sharp et al, The Journal of Swimming Research 4, 9 (1988)

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

thanks a bundle for this info. i really appreciate it

Answer 2

I've heard it will make you faster too, i dont know for sure.
If your chest is really hairy then it might make you faster. just depends on how much hair you have on your chest.
If you do shave your chest keep doing it because if you dont you will look like your growing a plant on your chest.. GROSS.

Answer 3

it helps a small amount but it will only help a good .1 in ur times also it is really painful if it is cold like an outdoor pool but its ok indoor